The start of September often brings with it a sense of change and fresh energy. As children, we (hopefully) looked forward to a new academic year with excitement – a clean slate, new pencil case, new teachers, and new friends. As adults, September still holds that same potential for growth, whether or not we are still tied to the academic calendar. For parents with school-aged children, the feeling of renewal is strongly felt. It is a great opportunity to reflect on the past year and set new intentions for the months ahead.
Here are some recommendations on how to harness this energy to create positive psychological change in key areas of your life, your routines, finances, health, and wellbeing.
Reassess Your Routines
With the hustle of everyday life, it’s easy to fall into routines that no longer serve us. Are your current routines helping you reach your goals, or do they need some tweaking?
- Morning routines: Start by assessing your morning routine. Is it rushed and stressful? Consider waking up a bit earlier to have some ‘me time’ before diving into the day or tending to your children. Meditation, journaling, or a quiet cup of tea can set a positive tone for the day ahead.
- Evening wind-down: Similarly, how do you wind down at the end of the day? Establishing a calming evening routine can improve your sleep and help your body recover from daily stressors.
Financial check-in: setting new goals
The autumn is a perfect time to review your finances. After the carefree spending of summer, now is a good moment to refocus and realign with your financial goals.
- Budget review: Review your monthly budget. Where can you cut unnecessary expenses? Consider setting a goal to save for the holidays or unexpected expenses.
- Investing in yourself: Whether through education, hobbies, or personal development, this season is a great time to plan how you will invest in yourself and your future.
Prioritise your health and wellbeing
Physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing should be priorities as you head into the busier months of the year.
- Physical Health: Start by reassessing your fitness routine. If you’ve been putting it off during the summer months, now is a great time to establish a regular exercise routine. Find a workout that excites you!
- Mental Wellbeing: As life speeds up, it’s important to carve out time for your mental health. Practice mindfulness, reduce screen time, or seek therapy if needed. Mental wellness is key to maintaining overall balance.
Focus on your work-life balance
For many of us, September often means getting back to business after the summer. While it’s great to dive back into your work or projects, it’s equally important to create boundaries between work and personal life.
- Assess Your Workload: Are you feeling overwhelmed or unfulfilled in your job? If so, this is the perfect time to have a conversation with your manager, seek new opportunities, or redefine your goals at work.
- Create Boundaries: Make sure you are separating work from home life. This might mean setting specific work hours, creating a designated work space, or scheduling time for family, friends, and personal projects.
Create a Vision for the Year Ahead
Lastly, September offers a beautiful opportunity to set intentions for the months ahead. Take some time to reflect on what you hope to achieve by the end of the year. Write down your personal, professional, and health-related goals by setting intentions that align with your values and desires.
September’s energy for renewal is a gift. Take advantage of this time to assess your routines, goals, and wellbeing. Make the changes that will serve you in the months to come and embrace the new opportunities ahead. Whether you’re reassessing your finances, building better health habits, or setting work-life boundaries, now is the time to build a strong foundation.
With intention and effort, the remainder of the year can be your best yet.